Squirrel Removal Illinois
Do you think you might have a squirrel problem in your Wheaton Illinois home or business? We at Animal Wildlife Trackers want to make wildlife removal easy for you. Below you will find some information to help you properly identify the common squirrels in the Chicagoland area, as well as some health or property risks commonly attributed to Squirrels.
Squirrel Identification & Physical Characteristics
Squirrels are widely known and recognized residents of Wheaton Illinois, but did you know that over 200 squirrel species are found throughout the world? There are 2 major groupings or categories of squirrels: ground squirrels and tree squirrels. (ground squirrels will be covered on our chipmunk page)
In the state of Illinois, there are 3 species of Tree Squirrels. All 3 species are small in size and are characterized by a long, bushy tail, prominent ears, and long hind feet, though each species has their own distinguished traits. Learn more about each species of squirrel found in Illinois below.
- Fox Squirrel
- Eastern Gray Squirrel
- Southern Flying Squirrel
Notable physical traits: squirrels have 4 front teeth that NEVER stop growing. This is so that they don’t wear down from their constant gnawing and eating of rough materials like nuts.
Squirrel Habitats and Lifestyle
All 3 of the tree squirrels in Northern Illinois are commonly seen in woodlands, parks, and residential neighborhoods. As the name tree squirrel would suggest, they are terrific climbers. Each species can have up to 2 breeding seasons a year – one in the early spring, and one in the late summer.
Lifespans are generally short in the wild. Most squirrels only live two to four years though that can greatly depend on predators and food availability.
Most squirrels spend time on the ground in search of food such as nuts, plants, berries, and flowers. They also can eat insects and animals like, eggs, or baby birds. Many tree squirrels that live in urban areas just like Wheaton and they have become talented dumpster and garbage raiders.
Squirrel Removal In Wheaton Illinois
Squirrels might seem like harmless animals, as they usually run away when you approach. However, if a squirrel sets up residence in your home you’d be surprised by the amount of damage they can produce. When squirrels gain access to your home, it is usually the result of them chewing a fist size hole in your roof, fascia, or soffit.
There are several ways for squirrels to get into your home and things you should look out for. If you have any low hanging branches over your home, this is a great way for squirrels to jump onto your roof. Once they have access to your roof, then they can either chew a new hole somewhere or find a vent that isn’t well screened. Attic fans and roof vents are the number one way that squirrels and raccoons get into homes.
How to Know You Have A Squirrel in Your Attic
One sure-fire way to know you may have a squirrel living in your attic is the time of day that you are hearing noises. Typically squirrels are most active in your home from dawn to 10 am and again around sunset.
We recently removed a squirrel from an Wheaton Illinois home’s attic and found this MASSIVE Squirrel nest. Based on the size this nest would have taken years to build.
